Executive Summary of Pilot Project MNF’s CROP

iii. MNF has now worked with this demographic for almost 20 years and has assisted in tasks where limited English proficiency people have trouble.

iv. An example is what may appear as a simple letter from the USDA is not simple, not easily understood and often misunderstood; MNF has been asked to assist in explaining and more recently showing what is being discussed in letters. MNF would like the opportunity to more fully implement CSAF practices and then invite Clark County community members to CROP Walks to see the practices in action.

v. Often this demographic is led by seed dealers to purchase chemicals without proper instruction on use and it is the seed dealers who then fill out the required paperwork like the very important Nutrient Management Report.

vi. With over 2100 farms and 450,000 acres farmed in Clark County WI this is a good place for a pilot program like CROP to reach underserved, limited English Proficiency speakers and readers and farmers who would implement many CSAF practices.

E. MNF’s approach to minimize transaction costs associated with project activities: a. MNF can be seen as a Project Based Organization which manages multiple projects each year i. MNF seeks to design projects which will complement each other and lower transactional costs. ii. MNF designs projects based on expertise and interests of staff, board members and partners iii. MNF does not work with individuals or entities on grant funded projects unless MNF or staff, board members or partners have already worked with them and determined they do good work at the best cost. iv. Since MNF is located in rural America the variety of selection for certain work and supplies is limited and often there is no choice or a choice between two. v. MNF seeks to work with local individuals and entities within a 100 mile radius unless a better price, carbon offset or other variable is calculated to choose another path. vi. MNF has board members, partners and staff in both Chicago and Minneapolis/St Paul and often will request them to act as delivery agents in order to keep costs low. b. MNF’s transaction costs comply with the cost principles of 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E – Cost Principles. i. All costs that will part of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Award will be

1. allowable (2 CFR 200.403),

2. allocable to the agreement (2 CFR 200.405)

3. reasonable in amount (2 CFR 200.404)